JANE AUSTEN RETURNS TO THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY'S MAIN STAGE WITH SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

 

Why Does Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility Continue to Captivate Audiences?

Long before Bridgerton enchanted our screens, a young writer named Jane Austen was already setting hearts ablaze across England. Her timeless tales of love, societal expectations, and sisterhood continue to resonate today, and now, fans of Austen’s work have a new reason to rejoice.

What’s Happening at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey?

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is bringing Austen’s beloved novel Sense and Sensibility to life with a stage adaptation by the acclaimed Jessica Swale. This production promises to overflow with humor, style, and the unmistakable wit of Austen herself.

AUSTEN ON STAGE - EMMA WOOD PRESENTS HER "MR BENNET'S BRIDE" + GIVEAWAY

It’s a pleasure to have a chance to connect with other Jane Austen enthusiasts. I’m an English and drama teacher as well as a playwright, actor and director. Like many people, my passion for Jane Austen grew hugely with the 1996 mini-series of Pride and Prejudice. The theatricality of the characters and the beauty of her dialogue delivered by that magnificent cast made that series one that was watched time and time again for me!

My first full length play (Water Child) was produced in Newcastle Australia in 2012. Having won an award for that play and received very enthusiastic reviews and comments from audience members, I was keen to write another. But I had no particular idea about what until one day, like a gift, an idea presented itself. Mr and Mrs Bennet. How – ? why – ? And what inspired this unlikely union? I read Pride and Prejudice again eagerly with those characters in focus, and noted that very little context is provided for their past.

Chapter 42 opens with reflections on their courtship and marriage:

‘HAD Elizabeth's opinion been all drawn from her own family, she could not have formed a very pleasing picture of conjugal felicity or domestic comfort. Her father, captivated by youth and beauty, and that appearance of good humour which youth and beauty generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had, very early in their marriage, put an end to all real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown.’